Megan Squire, 17, caught Perry's eye earlier this year when her high school, Verrado High School in Buckeye, Ariz., made Squire's inspirational story of fulfilling her dream to become a cheerleader the focus of their video for the "GMA" contest, which featured a live concert by the "Roar" singer as the grand prize.

"I want to bring Megan to a special event this fall with me as my date. … It's going to be very exciting. We are going to get dressed up," Perry told the teen when she announced the winner on "GMA" in October. "I just want to celebrate her and hear her roar in person. Megan, thank you so much. I love you. I love your spirit. You have really inspired me."

Squire's consolation prize became an even bigger deal when Perry instead flew Squire and her entire family - plus Clayton Mueller, the student who directed the school's video - from Arizona to Los Angeles to attend the star-studded awards show as her guests.

Squire and her family got to walk the red carpet alongside Hollywood's biggest stars. Squire even sat right behind Lady Gaga to watch as Perry, wearing a geisha-inspired outfit, opened the AMAs with her song "Unconditionally."